Filipino paralympic swimmer pushes for cleaner waters through collective action from volunteers from all over the country
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), in partnership with Paralympic swimmer and Global Team Toyota Athlete (GTTA) Ernie Gawilan, successfully concluded the “Start Your Impossible” National Coastal Cleanup and Mangrove Planting Day on December 14, 2024. Held simultaneously in 33 locations nationwide, the initiative aimed to inspire communities to safeguard marine ecosystems and combat coastal pollution.
The event gathered 1,302 volunteers from TMP, the Toyota dealer network, local government units, and environment offices, all united in their commitment to environmental preservation. Their efforts emphasized the critical role of protecting marine ecosystems in addressing the urgent problem of coastal pollution.
Volunteers collected 789 bags of plastic waste and debris, significantly reducing pollutants from affected coastal areas. Additionally, the group planted 10,354 mangrove seedlings, contributing to the restoration of vital mangrove forests and promoting biodiversity in coastal communities.
Ernie Gawilan, an Asian Para Games gold medalist and proud Davaoeño, played a pivotal role in inspiring the community to work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. This initiative is especially meaningful to Gawilan, as Samal Island holds a special place in his heart, having shaped him into the remarkable athlete he is today.
The activity forms part of Gawilan’s advocacy under Toyota’s global “Start Your Impossible” program, which empowers athletes to excel in sports while championing causes for social good. For Gawilan, promoting cleaner waters and raising environmental awareness have become integral to his mission of driving meaningful change beyond the world of sports.
“I am grateful to the Toyota family for assisting me with the tree planting and coastal cleanup today,” Ernie Gawilan expressed during his speech at the Samal Island site of the nationwide activity. “I hope I have inspired many, and together, let us work to preserve our environment, especially the ocean, as this is where my journey began,” he added.
“Ernie is a dual hero. We have been working with him to champion cleaner waters through various cleanup and planting initiatives,” shared Elijah Sue Marcial, TMP Vice President for Network Sales & Systems Cluster. “This advocacy was personally chosen by Ernie as a way to give back to the communities that have supported him in achieving his dreams,” she added.
“All of us at Toyota take immense pride in how the company consistently works with stakeholders and communities to give back and inspire,” shared Denise Lim, President of Toyota Davao Inc. “Today, we continue Toyota’s environmental efforts alongside a truly remarkable and inspiring guest of honor,” she added.
A volunteer from Toyota Davao City Inc. also expressed his admiration for Ernie’s mission for cleaner waters:
“He made a significant contribution to the coastal cleanup and the planting of mangroves,” the volunteer shared. “Because of his dedication and care for the environment, we were able to come together to clean up and plant for a better, greener future,” he added.
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